Many businesses outfit their employees with company cell phones, which allow professionals to stay in touch with the office -- and their clients -- when they're on the go. Today's smartphones also allow professionals to use the devices as a mobile office of sorts, checking email, browsing the Internet and keeping track of company expenses. But with data, texting and call plans, the costs of outfitting employees with company phones adds up. There are, however, ways to reduce these costs.

Eliminate Texting Plans

If you supply your employees with smartphones, cut any texting plans. That's because you can download apps, such as Freedom SMS, which permit texting at no charge. For Gmail users, texting is free via Gmail's Google Talk chat feature. Utilizing these apps and existing features can help save you scores of dollars per phone per month.

Reduce Data Usage

Many mobile providers offer data plans based on usage. To save money on data charges, select the cheapest possible option and then inform your employees of the data usage policy, how to monitor their usage to ensure they don't go over and ways to access the Internet, such as connecting to Wi-Fi wherever it's possible, to minimize the data they use. Reducing the data usage on employee phones has the potential to backfire on you in terms of additional fees should your workers go past their limits, but if you make them aware of the policy as well as how to access data via Wi-Fi networks, it can be a big money saver.

Offer Stipends

Many workers prefer to keep their work life and personal life separate, thereby keeping their business and personal phones separate. But as an employer, one way to cut down on cell phone costs is not to offer a business cell phone at all. Instead, offer workers a stipend each month if they opt to pass on receiving a company cell phone and choose to use their personal phone for work purposes. Not only can it save you money on cell phone costs, but it provides an incentive to your employees to use their personal phones for both personal and work purposes.

Seek Discounts

Don't just go with any cell phone provider -- shop around. For instance, explain your situation, about how many phones you'll need and what your requirements are in terms of calling plan options to several service providers. See who is willing to work with you and give you the best deal. Also, bear in mind that many cell phone providers offer discounts to government workers and certain types of businesses, which can take up to 20 percent off your total monthly bill. The bottom line is that if you're a large business seeking a sizable agreement, service providers are going to want your business. Make sure you you shop around for the best offer.

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About the Author

Scott Cornell began writing for professional publications in 2004. His early writing appeared in "The State News" and he has since been published in a family of newspapers in northeast Indiana, "Sports Illustrated" (Campus Editions) and on several sports blogs. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from Michigan State University.